11 inch radius

[Hutton]

I am finding it impossible to obtain an 11" radius gauge. What is nearer the 10 or the 12? Thankyou in anticipation.

 

[guitvai1]

Neither, they are both an inch different in radius from 11.

 

[Hutton]

Ok I'll put it another way. Which of the two gauges would be the better one to use in the absence of an 11 inch gauge. OR in the absence of an 11 inch gauge what is the best way to set string height on a stingray fretless.

 

[tunaman4u2]

I PERSONALLY like to go down to 10" vs 12". I dont like flat necks... but again its 11" to 12" is not a deal breaker & the least of the worries. 16" radius? That a no go period.

 

[nervous]

The way I have always set string height, fretless or fretted is with a simple small steel machinists ruler )generally in 1/64" increments) and a small light source, like an LED flashlight. Just have the bass on your lap, playing position, look down through the fret/string space and measure top of fret/fingerboard to bottom of string across the 12th fret. Perfect for me is 5/64" B side and 4/64 G side. Usually the E & A end up at the at 5/64" side or somewhere in between and the D & G at the 4/64. Of course this is after proper relief has been set. Some bass will tolerate this, many wont. So a little higher and you're still within factory spec. Easy stuff. No gauge needed.

 

[sanderhermans]

This tread makes no sence at all... what the hell are you talking about? You are talking about string gauge, string radius (do you mean fb radius?) And string height. This is all verry confusing. Mayebe a trip to your local music store isnt the worst idea
....

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Why not make one. Draw an 11 inch circle on some scrap plastic. Cut out a section of the circle. The inner curve of the circle is your radius.

 

[Hutton]

Many thanks for the helpful and understanding posts. I can now proceed with confidence. As for you sanderhermans I'm glad I don't work with you or are part of your family.

 

[MrMusashi]

rod has good advice. i like to make it an undersaddle one so 11 inch diameter on top with a piece sticking out on top to hold it with

like these:

hth

MrM

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

.

If you're a handyman like MrMusashi, it can be done. And save dollars for new strings.

 

[Hutton]

.

If you're a handyman like MrMusashi, it can be done. And save dollars for new strings.

I think Mr. Musashi should make a batch and sell them. I would buy one!

 

[MrMusashi]

i "borrowed" the picture from stewmac.. you wouldnt want to see what mine looks like

MrM

 

[melvin7822]

Here's mine.

 

[bvdrummer]

For what it's worth, I don't use radius gauges anymore. I just set each string height individually b/c that's easier for me than trying to "feel" if all the strings are touching the radius gauge at the same time.

 

[Golem]

`

I just do it by ear. On a FL string height controls
the degree of 'mwah' ... but it's not height alone.
It's also string stiffness, neck relief, and playing
style. A gauge cannot predict the effect of those
other variables.

 

[pacop]

For what it's worth, I don't use radius gauges anymore. I just set each string height individually b/c that's easier for me than trying to "feel" if all the strings are touching the radius gauge at the same time.

+1

 

[R Upsomegrub]

Not to be a jerk, but: radius is 1/2 of your diameter, so if you're looking to make an 11" radius gauge, would you not cut it from a 22" diameter circle?

 

[mtrejo]

Not to be a jerk, but: radius is 1/2 of your diameter, so if you're looking to make an 11" radius gauge, would you not cut it from a 22" diameter circle?

This is pretty helpful info: Fretboard Radius Explained

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

This is pretty helpful info: Fretboard Radius Explained

Very well explained.